Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Mcgregor in court delay on claim of pub assault
Judge tells Notorious to return in 3 weeks
CONOR Mcgregor has been told to return to court in three weeks over a charge of punching a punter in a pub.
The former two-weight UFC world champion appeared yesterday accused of common assault on Desmond Keogh.
The 50-year-old had been drinking in the Marble Arch pub in Drimnagh, South Dublin, on April 6 when he was allegedly punched by the Notorious.
It is believed Mr Keogh had, moments earlier, declined the offer of a shot of Mcgregor’s Proper No. Twelve whiskey.
The MMA star arrived at Dublin District Court shortly before 10am in a blacked-out BMW and flanked by two security men.
He wore a navy patterned suit, white shirt and striped blue tie and was unusually quiet as he walked past a large media presence.
The Crumlin-born fighter was quizzed by detectives after the alleged attack but not formally arrested.
The 31-year-old was later served with a summons after a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mcgregor, whose address was given as Ladycastle, Straffan, Co Kildare, looked relaxed as he stood at the back of the courtroom as his case was called at 10.41am.
The multi-millionaire, who had his hands crossed, did not speak during the brief hearing. Defence solicitor Michael Staines told Judge Marie Keane: “My client is in court, judge. It can be adjourned by consent for disclosure to be furnished.”
The request related to prosecution CCTV evidence. State solicitor Michael Durkan replied: “That is fine.”
Prosecuting Garda Jason O’carroll also agreed to the adjournment.
Judge Keane ordered the dad of two to appear again on November 1 when he will be expected to indicate how he will plead.
The case lasted around two minutes and Mcgregor was followed out of the courtroom by journalists.
But he appeared agitated as the electric automatic locking system on his car malfunctioned.
There was a delay of around 10 seconds as he eventually managed to get inside the vehicle and away from the court building.
The charge Mcgregor is facing carries a maximum prison term of six months, a £1,300 fine, or both, if convicted.
Video footage emerged in August on American website TMZ of the alleged 2.30pm attack and it soon went viral.
The former lightweight and featherweight champion has not fought since losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov last October.
Forbes estimate Mcgregor’s 2019 earnings are already worth around £37million.